Davenport, IA-For Valentine's Day weekend, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra presents an ode to love ranging from the tragic romance of Pelleas and Melisande to Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola performed by husband-and-wife duo Elissa Lee Koljonen and Roberto Díaz. The concert concludes in the always romantic Italy, described vividly by Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony. The concert will be performed on February 15 and 16. Saturday evening's concert is at the Adler Theatre in Davenport at 7:30 p.m., and followed on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. This concert is sponsored by John Deere.

Recognized as one of the most celebrated violinists of her generation, Elissa Lee Koljonen has thrilled audiences and critics in over one hundred cities throughout the world. Koljonen initially received international acclaim when she became the first recipient of the prestigious Henryk Szeryng Foundation Award and silver medalist of the Carl Flesch International Violin Competition. Her playing has been lauded by the Helsingin Sanomat (Helsinki) as "sparkling, sensual and personal." Dan Tucker of the Chicago Tribune writes, "She displayed boundless technique and musicianship," and the Detroit News reports, "Koljonen brings to her playing not just assured technique but unflinching purpose and confidence."

Also on Friday, students are invited to sit in on a dress rehearsal and get the inside perspective through Students@Symphony. During a break in the rehearsal, the students will have an opportunity to meet Mark Russell Smith, as well as Díaz and Koljonen. This program is open to any secondary or elementary student and supervising adults. Students should arrive at 7:30 p.m. and pre-register online at

EVENT LISTING

Inside the Music LuncheonFriday, February 14, at 12:00 noonReservations: $15Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island